Melissa Johnson Lander

Iris Olson Smout Principal Clarinet

Melissa Johnson Lander is an emotionally captivating artist known for her rich clarity of sound. Ms. Lander served for seven years as Co-Principal Clarinetist with the elite U.S. Army Field Band where she was a featured soloist in over 35 concerts. 

Melissa gave her solo recital debut at the age of 21 with a live radio broadcast on NPR as a result of winning the Neale-Silva Young Artists Competition. Her orchestral experience includes Principal clarinet of the Heidelberg Schlossfestspiel Opera Orchestra, and Associate Principal of the Traverse Symphony. 

Ms. Lander graduated high school from Interlochen Arts Academy, received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. After her career with the Army, Melissa dedicated almost a decade to staying home to care for her 3 children.  A student of Anthony McGill (Principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic), she recently completed a Graduate Performance Diploma in clarinet, and is currently pursuing a diploma in Chamber Music at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. Contact Melissa.